Decisions, Decisions

Read
Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.
(Genesis 13:10-13)

Reflect
Lot’s character is revealed by his choices. Good pasture and accessible water seemed like a wise choice to Lot. He took the best share of the land even though it meant living near Sodom, a city known for its sin. Note the comment in the text: “But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.” He failed to recognize that Sodom could provide temptations strong enough to destroy his family. Lot seems to be greedy, wanting the best for himself, without thinking about his uncle Abram’s needs or what was fair.

Life presents a series of choices. We, too, can choose the best while ignoring the needs and feelings of others. But when we stop making choices that account for God and others, our only option is to make choices in the wrong direction.

Have you chosen to live or work in a “Sodom”? Even though you may be strong enough to resist the temptations, other members of your family may not. While God commands us to reach out to people in the “Sodom” near us, we must be careful not to become like the very people we are trying to reach. Even if we live near Sodom, we must constantly remain with God.

Respond
In what areas of your life have you stopped looking to God for direction? Take a moment now to lay all areas of your life before God and ask for his guidance. Only he knows the correct path for you to take. Choose his way.